Centrifugal pump



Aug. 21, 1956 J. H. HOLSTEIN 2,759,427

' CENTRIFUGAL PUMP Filed March 6, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTORNEVS Aug.21, 1956 J. H. HOLSTEIN CENTRIFUGAL PUMP 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 6,1953- JOHN H. HOLSTE/N lNl ENTOR HUEBNER, BEEHLER,

WORREL HERZ/G A 770RNEKS Aug. 21, 1956 J. H. HOLSTEIN CENTRIFUGAL PUMP 4Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 6, 1953 JOHN H. HOLSTE/N lNVE/VTOR HUEBNER,BEEHLER,

WORREL & HERZ/G ATTORNEYS Aug. 21, 1956 J. H. HOLSTEIN CENTRIFUGAL PUMPFiled March 6, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 JOHN H. HOLSTE/N lNl ENTOR HUEBNER,BEEHLER,

' WORREL 8 HERZ/G ATTORNEYS United States Patent CENTRIFUGAL PUMI JohnH. Holstein, Fresno, Calif. App ic n Mar h 6, 1 .53, Se ia ,No- 0 1 13Claims. (Cl. 103---.83) l The present invention relates to centrifugalpumps and more particularly to an improved centrifugalpump having afluid chamber in which pumping action is produced by externalmanipulation of the chamber ai 1d the conventional extension of drivingmeans intothe cliainbei obviated with the concomitant avoidance of theneed for packing, leakage incident to packing failure, and the usualcare and attention required conventional centrifugal pumps. d I i Theleakage of conventional pumps is of such general experience that it isusually regarded as an unavoidable nuisance that must be toleratedduring pump operation. Such leakage is wasteful, frequently createsunsanitary conditions, and is productive of hazardous situations" inwhich workmen, attendants, and property are endangered. The leakage ofwater from electrically operated pumps increases the likelihood of shortcircuits'and the difiiculti'es incident thereto. The leakage of gasolineorother in+ flammable fluids creates fire hazards. The loss or exposureof fluid explosives during pumping action is virtually intolerable buthas been allowed to'occu'r in many instances because of the diflicultiesencountered in'preeluding leakage and the requisite constant attentionrequired.

' Most pumps of the centrifugal and other types require the utilizationof a pumping chamber which contains an impeller motivated by a shaftrotatably or reciprocally extended into the chamber. The provisionofefiective packing about such shafts has been virtually impossible andeventual leakage is almost always encountered. In addition to thehazards referred to, the attention required by such packing, itsfrequent replacement, and the maintenance expenses involved areobjectionable.

Although there have been pumps intended to be leak proof, they have beensubject to *inefliciencies and other difficulties precluding optimumeffectiveness and general acceptance which the present invention isbelieved to over? comef For descriptive convenience,the pump shown inthe patent to Hunter No. 2,033,577 is referred to as being the closestprior art to which the applicant is aware. The Hunter patent utilizes anenclosed pump casing having an axial inlet opening and a radial outlet.A Wobbler element is centrally mounted therein for limited universaltipping movement. The Wobbler is of magnetically attractive material andaportion of the casing of a material through which a magnetic field iseffective. A magnetic impeller is rotatably driven externally adjacentto the casing with the intent that the obbler be retated in a rapidwhirling motion suflicient to cause it eentrifugally to expel .fl ififrom the easing. Althoug th Hun Pll p VQ 1h? utilization of packing andmay possess real advantages, it is not positively driven, and is subjectto other difticu lties which it will subsequently become appa' r'a abviat s by th pms nti wt m- 1 The broad senc of he r se in ntio residesin the discovery that an effective pumping action can be attained byrevolutionary movement, as distinguished from rotary movemen in a d visePIPV l E 1 9 2,759,427 Patented Aug. 21, 1956 housing having spacedopposite end walls and a flexible side wall interconnecting the endwalls, means mounting the end walls in predetermined spaced relation forrevolutionary movement of one end wall relative to the other in acircular orbit, and an impeller positioned between the end walls of thehousing axially swivelly engaged with said end walls and which ismotivated in progressively tilted circular progression by relativerevolutionary movement of the end walls of the housing. The motion ofthe impeller is one of nutation imparted thereto by planetary movementof an end wall swivelly connected to the impeller.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved centrifugalpump.

Another object is to provide a pump having a fluid chamber in whichpumping action is produced by external manipulation of the chamber.

Another object is to provide a pump which cannot leak unless there isstructural or material failure.

Another object is to provide a pump avoiding the use of packing betweenrelatively movable parts and the adjustment, replacement, care, andexpenses incident to convenitional pump packing.

Another object is to provide a pump which can be operated for protractedperiods with no appreciable wear.

Another object is to provide a positively driven centrifugal pump whichis virtually leak-proof.

Another object is to provide improved elements and arrangements thereofin a revolutionary or revolvable device of the character described thatis operable as a fluid pump, fluid motor, meter or the like. i

Further objects and advantages will become apparent in the subsequentdescription in the specification.

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 illustrates a pump embodying the principles of the presentinvention having driving connection to an electric motor, the motorbeing shown in side elevation and the pump in vertical section.

Fig. 2 is a section through the device of the present invention taken ona plane represented between line in Fig. 1.

' Fig. 3 is a section through the device of the present invention takenon a plane represented by the line -3 in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a face view of a discoidal impeller employed in the pump shownin Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

Pig. 5 is a fragmentary portion'of a pump embodying the principles ofthe present invention demonstrating the utilization of a pump housing ofmodified form. It will be observed that Figs. 1 and 5 both show theutilization of a discoidal impeller of the same form universallyconnected concentrically to substantially parallel circular end walls ofa pump housing.

Figs. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 13 are vertical sections of variouscooperative forms of the impeller and the housing of the presentinvention demonstrating the wide range pf permissible variations in thecooperative configurations of conjugate faces of the impeller and endWalls of the housing within the scope of the present invention.

'Fig. 12 is a section taken on line 12--12 of Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a face view of the impeller shown in Fig. 13.

Referring in greater detail to the drawings:

In Figs. 1, 2 and 5 a prime mover, such as an electric motor, isindicated generally at 10 having a frame 11 rigidly extended therefrom.The first form of the pump of .the present invention is shown at 12.

The pump 12 consists of an obliquely cylindrical housing 13'having apair of substantially circular end walls 14 and 15 interconnected inparallel spaced relation by a flexible sleeve or side wall 16. The sidewall is conveniently formed of rubber, flexible plastic, flexible metaltubing, such as stainless steel, bronze, copper or the like,

or any other suitable material providing the desired flexibility andresistance to fatigue. The side wall or sleeve 16 is fitted to theperipheries of the end walls and clamped in fluid tight engagementtherewith by circumscribing clamps 17 or otherwise secured thereto.

The frame 11 may take any suitable form but conveniently consists of acollar 19 rigidly mounted on the prime mover 10, as by means of bolts20, and has spaced arms 21 extended from the collar away from the motorand mounting an annular yoke 22 in parallel spaced relation to thecollar 19. The end wall 14 of the housing 13 is slidably fitted into theyoke 22 and provides a circumscribing flange 23 fitted against the yoke22 oppositely from the arms 21. For purposes soon to become apparent,the positioning of the end wall in the yoke 22 is preferably adjustablerelative to the motor, as by means of shims 24 insertable between theflanges 23 and yoke 22. The end wall 14 fitted to the yoke 22 is deendably mounted therein by means of headed bolts 25 extended through theflange 23 and shims 24 and screw-threadedly mounted in the yoke.

The end wall 14 mounted in the yoke 22 provides an inlet 27concentrically therein and an outlet 28 radially spaced from the inlet.An intake conduit 29, or suction pipe, is screw-threadedly mounted inthe inlet 27 and an outlet conduit 30, or discharge conduit, isscrew-threadedly mounted in the outlet 28. An annular groove 31 isprovided concentrically in the inner face of the end wall 14 in registrywith the outlet 28 and serves as a discharge manifold, or port, for flowof fluid therethrough to the outlet conduit.

As shown in Fig. l, the end wall 14 rigidly mounted in the frame 11 hasa substantially flat inner face disposed toward the motor 10. Acounterbore is provided in the inner face concentrically of the inlet 27and a second counterbore 33 concentrically thereof. As a productionexpedient, a plug-like bearing 34 is screw-threadedly mounted in thesecond counterbore 33 so as to define an inner manifold in thecounterbore 32. The bearing provides a socket 35 concentrically of theinner face of the end wall 14 which is preferably circumscribed by anannular groove 36, constituting an intake port, connected in fluidcommunication with the counterbore 32 by a plurality of bores 37 formedtherebetween. The plug bearmg 34 provides a face flush with the innerface of its re spective end wall.

The motor provides a rotated drive shaft 40 axially alignedconcentrically with the rigidly mounted end wall 14 and its plug bearing34. An eccentric shaft 41 is rigidly mounted on the drive shaft 40 andextended therefrom 1n parallel spaced relation to the aligned axis ofthe drive shaft and the end wall 14. A bearing sleeve 42 is mounted onthe eccentric shaft 41 as by means of a key 43, in the well knownmanner. The sleeve has opposite ends of reduced diameter to which theinner races 44 of a pair of bearings'45 are fitted concentrically of theeccentric shaft.

The inner end wall has a substantially flat face disposed toward the endwall 14 and has a bore 48 concentrically therein. A plug like bearing 49is screw-threadedly mounted in the bore 43 and provides a socket 5t)concentrically of the face of its end wall. The end wall 15 also has acylindrical bearing cage 51 integral therewith extended concentricallytherefrom in fitted engagement with outer races 52 of the bearings 45.The cage is conveniently held in assembled relation on the bearings 45by a snap ring 53 releasably engaged in an inwardly disposed annulargroove 54 in the cage.

A discoidal impeller 58 is provided between the end walls 14 and 15 andhas oppositely extended axial bosses 59 engaged in the sockets 35 and 5%for universal swivel movement. The proper selection of the shims 24conveniently provides the spacing of the end walls and their sockets forthe nesting of the bosses therein. Opposite faces of the impeller 58 areof conical form. The eccentricity of the shaft 41 relative to the socket35 and the concentricity of the drive shaft 40 relative to the end wall14 and its socket assures that the axis of the impeller is continuouslyand uniformly angularly related to the aligned axes of the shaft 40 andthe end wall 14 during rotary motion of the shaft. The angularity of theaxis of the impeller relative to the axis of the drive shaft 40 isapproximately one-half the angular relation of the conical surfaces ofthe impeller to planes normal to the axis of the impeller. A pluralityof bores 60 are provided through the impeller in registry with theannular groove 54.

Operation The operation and utility of the present invention arebelieved to be clearly apparent and are briefly summarized at thispoint. When the motor 10 is energized, the drive shaft 40 is rotated andthe eccentric shaft 41 carried in a circular orbit concentric to thedrive shaft. The end wall 15 is mounted concentrically on the eccentricshaft 41 and is revolved, but not rotated, in a circular orbitconcentric to the drive shaft and to the end wal 14 and the socket 35.The flexibility of the side wall 16 permits the rapid revolving of theend wall 15 while the end wall 14 is maintained in fixed position.

The revolutionary planetary movement of the end wall 15 relative to theend wall 14 causes the axis of the impeller 58 to be motivated in aconical path of nutational movement. The opposite sides of the impellerand the opposite end walls 14 and 15 have adjacent conjugate faces. Theorbit of revolution of the end wall 15 is preferably of such diameterthat the adjacent conjugate faces are in rolling engagement along radiallines of contact. It will be apparent that such radial lines of contacton opposite sides of the impeller are diametrically related as theimpeller is tipped in continuous circumferential progression incident torotary motion of the drive shaft 40.

Fluid to be pumped is supplied to the housing 13 through the intakeconduit 29, inlet 27, counterbore 32, bores 37, and annular groove 36.As the impeller 58 is whirled in its progressively tiltedcircumferential progression in rolling engagement with the end walls 14and 15, fluid in the housing is rapidly whirled and thrown outwardlytoward the side wall 16. This provides an area of reduced pressurecentrally of the impeller and housing and an area of substantiallygreater pressure adjacent to the side wall 16. The bores 60 permitpassage of fluid through the impeller so that the adjacent conjugatefaces on opposite sides of the impeller are thoroughly effective. Theincreased pressure peripherally of the impeller causes an effectivepumping action outwardly of the discharge conduit 30.

It will "be observed that no moving parts are extended through the wallsof the housing and thus no packing is required and no leakage ispossible in the absence of structural or material failure. The amount offlexing required of the side wall 16 is such that there are manymaterials of the character suggested that last indefinitely whenutilized for the purpose. Although the forms of the conjugate faces ofthe impeller and the end walls in Fig. 1 are such that the impellercreeps in a slow rotary movement incident to the tilted progression ofthe impeller, the wear incident to such movement and to the universalpivoting of the bosses 59 in the sockets 35 and 50 is negligible.

Not only is the described pump thoroughly effective in pumping fluidsbut is capable of effectively motivating fluid borne solid materials.This is particularly true when the spacing of the end walls is slightlyincreased so that the impeller in its progression does not actuallyengage both end walls along the described radial lines of contact but isspaced therefrom so that said radial lines are lines of proximity ratherthan contact.

Modified housing I It will be apparent that the described flexibilty reqt dof the side W l n b a h ve by a ircumferentially corrugated oraccordian pleated Side of any suitable material. Such modification isshown in Fig. in which the motor and frame 11 are given the samenumerals, as before. An end wall 65 is rigidly mounted in the frame bymeans of the bolts in the manner described for the end wall 14. The endwall 65,, however, provides an inwardly disposed cylindrical extension66 terminating in an inwardly disposed face similar to that of the endwall 14. An end wall 67 is mounted on the drive shaft of the motor inthe manner described for the end wall 15 and provides an inwardlydisposed cylindrical extension 66. The impeller 58 is mounted betweenthe end walls and 67 in the manner previously described.

A substantially cylindrical corrugated side wall 70 of metal or othersuitable material has opposite ends 71 fitted to the cylindricalextensions 66 and 6.8 of the end walls and radially outwardly turnedflanges 72. Annular collars 73 are fitted over the ends 71 of the sidewall in circumscribing relation to the respective extensions of the endwalls against the collar 73. Bolts 74 extend through the end walls andare screw threadedly engaged in the collars and draw the collars tightlyagainst the end walls in fluid tight clamping relation to the flanges72.

The pump shown in Fig. 5 operates in the identical manner to that shownin Fig. 1 except that the corrugated form of the side wall providescertain advantages for particular operational requirements and pen-milsthe use of less flexible material therefor.

Alternate impeller and end wall forms It has been discovered that theimpeller and the end walls of the subject pump may take many formswithout departing from the spirit or the scope of the present inventionand still provide the effective conjugate faces described. Attention isinvited to Figs. 6 to 14, both inclusive, which show several exemplaryforms of conjugate faces symmetrical about centers thereof. Although thevarious forms show the utilization of impellers having similar oppositefaces operatively associated with respectively similar end wall faces,it will be apparent that different face forms may be utilized onopposite sides of an impeller so longas the conjugately associated endwall faces are of appropriate cooperative form. For example, one side ofthe impeller and the associated end wall face may be of the form shownin Fig. 6 while the opposite side and associated end wall face is of theform shown in Fig. 7. Other combinations will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is to be understood that the end wallssubsequently referred to can be mounted in the manner described inconnection with Figs. 1 and 5 or by any other suitable means capable ofachieving the described relative revolutionary movemen For purposes ofsimplicity, the various end walls shown in Figs. 6 to ll and 13 areinterconnected by the form of side wall 16 shown in Fig. 1 and securedin position by clamps 17. It is to be understood that other forms ofside wall may be utilized as demonstrated in Fig. 5.

In Fig. 6 a rigidly mounted end Wall having centrally located inlets 81interconnected by an annular groove 82 and providing an annular outletgroove 83, similar to the groove 31 and connected to an outlet, notshown, is illustrated. The sleeve 16 interconnects the periphery of theend wall 80 in fluid tight interconnection with the periphery of an endwall 84 mounted for revolutionary movement in a circular orbitconcentric to the end wall 80. The end walls 80 and'84 provide facing,conical, concave faces 85. i

A discoidal impeller 86 is positioned between the faces which providesoppositely disposed convex conical faces 87. Rates 88 are providedthrough the impeller and serve the same purpose as the bores 60. Convexapices of the conical faces 87 of the impellerare engaged in the concaveapices of the conical faces 8.5 and thus the necessity for the bosses 59and sockets 35 and 50 obviated. The nested apices of the impeller andend walls provide the requisite universal swivel engagement and as theend wall 84 is revolved in its orbit, the impeller is progressivelytilted in circumferential progression and pumps in the manner previouslydescribed.

Fig. 7 illustrates a form of housing and impeller of substantiallyopposite form to that shown in Fig. 6. A stationary end wall 90 and anonbitally revolved end wall 91 are interconnected, as before, by theside wall 16. The end walls provide inwardly convex conical faces 92having adjacent apices. A circular impeller 93 bridges the space betweenthe faces 92 and provides oppositely disposed concave conical faces 94.The thickness of the impeller at its center is such as to fit betweenthe apices of the faces of the end walls and thus the impeller ismounted for the described til-ting movement between the end wallswithout the necessity of bosses 59 or sockets 35 or 50. The end wall 90provides the usual inlets 95 and outlet groove 96 and the impeller bores97 there: through so that the conjugate faces on opposite sides of theimpeller both perform effective pumping action.

The form of the invention shown in Fig. 7 has as an advantage in thatthe orbit of the end wall 91 may be quite small and vibration thusminimized. By the same token, however, the mechanical advantage of theend wall 91 in motivating the impeller is substantially less than themechanical advantage of the end wall 84 on the impeller 86.

In operating the forms of the pump heretofore de-. scribed, theprincipal movement of the impellers 58, 86 and 93 is the progressivetilting in circumferential pros grcssion described but in additionthereto, the impellers have a slight rotational movement. While there isno particular objection to such rotation in most operations, the form ofthe invention shown in Fig. 8 demonstrates that the conjugate faces canbe so shaped as to avoid the rolling action. In Fig. 8, a fixed end wallis represented at 100 and its associated orbitally travelled end wall at101. The end Walls have inwardly disposed, convex, conical surfacesproviding concentrically therein impeller mounting sockets 1'82. Adiscoid impeller 103 having axially extended bosses 104 is mountedbetween the end walls by engagement of the bosses in the sockets. Theimpeller has oppositely disposed convex conical faces engaged with theconical faces of the end walls along diametrically related radialcontact lines. In Fig. 8 angle a is the conical angle between the SUI".face of the end Wall 101 and a plane passed through the end Wall normalto the axis of revolution of said end wall. Angle b is the conical anglebetween a surface of the impeller 103 and a plane normal to the axis ofthe impeller. To avoid rotation of the impeller during pumping action,the conjugate faces of the end Walls and impellers are so formed thatangle a equals angle b. m is the distance between the center of theswivelling action of the impeller in the end wall and the position atwhich the outer periphery of the impeller engages the end wall. rz isthe radius of the impeller.

Trigonometrically:

The periphery of a circle having a radius of r1=21r cos a The peripheryof a circle having a radius of rz=21r cos b a= b Therefore the peripheryof the impeller is equal to the periphery of a circle on each end walldefined by im: peller engagement therewith during pumping action.Inasmuch as the total distance on the end wall to be engaged by theperiphery of the impeller during a complete cycle of peripheralprogression is equal to the circumference of the impeller to be rolledtherealong, the impeller does not rotate during its progressive tilting.

Fig. 9 shows the utilization of a fixed end wall .110 and an e bi al yre o ed and w 1 11 created s m closely adjacent relation than thepreviously described forms of the invention. Each of the end wallsprovides a convex conical surface having a socket 112 concentricallytherein. A flat circular impeller 113 is mounted between the end wallsby engagement of axially extended bosses 114 into the socket 112.

In the preceding forms of the invention, the conjugate faces of theimpellers and end walls have been surfaces of revolution generated bystraight lines. In Fig. 10 is illustrated a further form of theinvention in which the conjugate faces are surfaces of revolutiongenerated by curved lines. In Fig. 10, a fixed end wall 120 has anorbitally travelled end wall 121 operatively associated therewith in themanner previously described. The end walls provide substantiallyhyberbolical faces 12?. having rather pronounced apices or vertices. Animpeller 123 is mounted in bridging relation between the end walls andprovides oppositely disposed, concave fractospherical faces 124concentrically engaged with the faces 122. of the end walls. The pumprepresented in Fig. 10 operates in the same manner as those previouslydescribed. The disparity between the diameters (D1 and D2) of theconjugate faces of the impeller and the end walls causes the impeller torotate comparatively more rapidly between the end walls incident to itsprogressive tilting in circumferential progression than the other forms.

It has also been discovered that the conjugate faces of the end wallsand impeller need not be precise surfaces of revolution. In Fig. 11, thestructure shown in Fig. 8 is reproduced and like elements designated bylike numbers. It will be recalled that the impeller 103 does not rotatewhen the end wall 101 is travelled in its orbit concentric to the endwall 100 to achieve the pumping action. Inasmuch as there is no relativerotation, the impeller can be provided with radially disposedcorrugations 135 and the end walls with radial corrugations 136complementary thereto. The corrugations 135 and 136 mesh, as shown inFig. 12, during pumping action and effectively preclude impellerrotation.

The end walls 146 and 141 of Fig. 13 are somewhat similar to the endwalls Q0 and 91 of Fig. 7 and the impeller 142 has oppositely disposedconcave faces somewhat similar to the impeller 93. The end walls andimpeller of Fig. 13, however, have been provided with complementaryconcentric corrugations 143 and 144 respectively on their conjugatefaces. Although it is found that such corrugations slightly inhibit thepumping action because of the increased surface friction thereof, theyhave the advantage of aiding in the dependable maintaining of theimpeller in concentric relation to the walls on opposite sides thereof.

While the several forms of impellers and end walls have differentindividual characteristics, it will be apparent that all of the formsand innumerable others can be utilized without departing from the spiritor the scope of the present invention. No matter which of the preciseforms of impellers and end walls are utilized, the pumping action is thesame and dependable results attained. All of the forms of the presentinvention avoid the use of packing between relatively movable parts andthe difficulties incident thereto, the pumping action of the impellerbeing motivated by manipulation of the obliquely cylindrical housing 13.

Although the invention has been herein shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it isrecognized that de partures may be made therefrom Within the scope ofthe invention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosedherein but is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as toembrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secureby Letters Patent is:

1. A centrifugal pump comprising a hollow housing having spaced oppositeend walls and a flexible side wall interconnecting the end walls andtherewith defining a. pumping chamber, means mounting the end walls inpredetermined spaced relation for revolutionary movement of one thereofrelative to the other in a circular planetary path, and an impellerpositioned between the end walls of the housing having an axis swivellyengaged with said end walls, the impeller and the opposite end walls ofthe housing having adjacent conjugate faces in rolling engagement alongdiametrically opposite radial lines of contact, and the housing havingan intake port therein adjacent to the axis of the impeller and havingan outlet port therein adjacent to the periphery of the impeller.

2. In a centrifugal pump, the combination of a substantially fluid tighthousing having spaced end walls and a flexible side wall interconnectingthe end walls, said housing having an inlet substantially centrally ofan end wall thereof and an outlet laterally spaced therefrom; meanscarrying one of the end walls in a circular planetary path substantiallyconcentric to the opposite end wall and in constant spaced relation tosaid opposite end wall; and a substantially circular impeller having acentral portion of an axial thickness substantially equal to the spacingof the central portions of the end walls and radially thereof being ofprogressively relatively less thickness than the spacing of thecorresponding radial portions of the end walls swivelly mounted in theopposite end walls whereby upon circular movement of one end wallrelative to the opposite end wall the axis of the impeller is motivatedin a conical path of nutation with diametrically opposite radial lineson opposite sides of the impeller in rolling engagement with theirrespectively adjacent end walls of the housing.

3. In a centrifugal pump, the combination of a substantially fluid tighthousing having substantially circular spaced end walls concentric aboutsubstantially parallel axes and a flexible tubular side wallinterconnecting the end walls, the housing having an inlet substantiallycentrally of an end wall thereof and an outlet radially spaced from theinlet; means motivating one of the end walls in a circular pathconcentric to the opposite end wall and in fixed spaced relationthereto, and a substantially circular impeller having an axis swivellymounted concentrically in the end walls of the housing in equal angularrelation to the axes of the end walls, the impeller and the end wallshaving adjacent conjugate faces in rolling engagement alongdiametrically opposite radial lines of contact, said conjugate facesbeing radially divergent at all positions other than along their radiallines of contact and being progressively of increased divergencecircumferentially of the impeller on opposite sides of their line ofcontact to a position diametrically opposite to their line of contactwhere they are radially divergent at an angle substantially twice theangle between the axis of the impeller and the axes of the end walls.

4. In a pump of the character described, a housing having anunobstructed chamber defined by opposite substantially circular endwalls and a flexible substantially cylindrical side wall interconnectingthe end walls in substantially fluid tight relation, the housing havingan inlet centrally of an end wall thereof and an outlet radially spacedtherefrom, a substantially circular impeller mounted between the endWalls of the housing having an axis swivelly engaged at opposite endsconcentrically with the end walls of the housing, and means fornon-rotatably revolving one of the end walls of the housing relative tothe other end wall in a circular planetary path concentric to said otherend wall whereby the impeller is progressively nutationally tilted incircumferential progression in the housing.

5. A centrifugal pump comprising a hollow obliquely cylindrical housinghaving substantially circular concentrically symmetrical end walls and aflexible side wall interconnecting the end walls, the housing having aninlet centrally of an end wall and an outlet radially spaced Winona?therefrom, a substantially circular concentrically symmetrical impellerhaving .axial portions .on opposite sides thereof swivelly engagedconcentrically with the tendwalls of the housing, the impeller and theend walls having vad- 'jacent conjugate faces, and means connected tothe end 'walls of the "housing motivating one of the end walls in :acircular planetary path of revolutionary movement concentrically of theopposite end wall whereby the impeller is progressively united in acontinuous direction e'fif circumferential progression in the housing.

6., A centrifugal pump comprising a hollow obliquely cylindrical housinghaving spaced substantially circular opposite end walls and asubstantially cylindrical flexible side wall interconnecting theperipheral portions of the end walls in substantially fluid tightrelation, the housing having an inlet centrally of an end wall and anoutlet radially spaced therefrom, .a substantially circular impellerhaving ports therethrough positioned between the end .of the housinghaving opposite-sides axially engaged concentrically with the end wallsfor universal movement relative thereto, the impeller and the end wallshaving adjacent conjugate faces of complementary configurationsymmetrical concentrically about their respective centers, whichadjacent faces diverge radially of the impeller, and means connected tothe end walls of the housing adapted to revolve one of the end walls ina circular path concentric to the other end wall of a diameter such thatthe impeller continuously bridges the space between the end walls and iscontinuously tipped in circumferential progression into opposite endwall engagement along lines radial of the conjugate faces.

7. A centrifugal pump comprising a hollow substantially fluid tightobliquely cylindrical housing having spaced apart opposite end wallsperipherally interconnected by a flexible cylindrical side wall, saidhousing having an inlet centrally of an end wall thereof and an outletspaced radially of the housing therefrom, a circular impeller positionedwithin the housing between the end walls having oppositely disposedcentral portions complementarily fitted to axial portions of the endwalls for universal tipping movement relative thereto and providingports centrally therethrough, the impeller and the end walls havingadjacent conjugate faces of complementary configuration symmetricalabout their respective centers divergently related radially of thehousing, a frame rigidly mounting one of the end walls of the housing infixed position, driving means mounted in the frame having a rotateddrive shaft axially aligned concentrically of the rigidly mounted endwall of the housing, and eccentric bearing means mounted on the driveshaft mounting the end wall of the housing opposite to the rigidlymounted end wall eccentrically on said shaft a distance radially of theshaft such that the opposite faces of the impeller are engaged with thefaces of their respectively adjacent end walls along diametricallyrelated opposite radial lines.

8. A centrifugal pump comprising a pair of substantially circular endwalls, a flexible substantially cylindrical sleeve peripherallyinterconnecting the end walls in spaced relation with the peripheralportions of the end walls in equally spaced relation, one of the endwalls having an inlet centrally thereof and an outlet radially spacedfrom the inlet, a circular impeller having oppositely disposed axialportions engaged concentrically in the end walls for universal tippingmovement relative to the end walls and having ports therethroughadjacent to said axial portions thereof, the impeller and the end wallshaving adjacent conjugate spaces of complementary configurationsymmetrical about their respective centers, a frame rigidly mounting oneof the end walls in fixed position, driving means mounted in the framehaving a rotated drive shaft axially aligned concentrically of therigidly mounted end wall, a shaft mounted eccentrically on the driveshaft and extended toward the rigidly mounted end wall in substantiallyparallel relation to the axis of the drive shaft,

and :a bearing rotatably mounted on the eccentric shaft mounting the endwall opposite to the rigidly mounted end wall eccentrically on the:shaft whereby said end wall is non-rotatably revolved concentrically ofthe rigid end wall and the impeller tipped in continuous circumferentialprogression in an orbit of mutation.

.9. A centrifugal pump comprising a pair of flat circular end wallshaving sockets concentrically therein, one of the end walls having aninlet centrally thereof and an outlet radially spaced therefrom,acylindrical flexible sleeve fitted to the peripheries of the end wallsand interconnecting ,the end walls in parallel relation, means mountingopposite ends of the sleeve on the end walls in fluid tight relationthereon, a discoidal impeller haw ing ports centrally therethroughpositioned between the end walls having oppositely disposed conicalsurfaces of predetermined common conical angularity and axially disposedbosses concentrically thereof swivelly engaged in the sockets of the endwalls, a frame rigidly mounting one of the end walls .in fixed position,driving means mounted in the frame having a rotated drive shaft axiallyaligned concentrically of the rigidly mounted end wall, and meansmounting the end wall opposite to the rigidly mounted end walleccentrically on the shaft for free rotation of the shaft thereinwhereby said end wall is nonrotatably revolved in a circular orbitconcentric to the shaft with the axis of the impeller in continuousangular relation to the aligned axis of the shaft substantially equal tothe conical angularity of the surfaces of the impeller and a planenormal to the axis thereof.

10. A centrifugal pump comprising an obliquely cylindrical housinghaving a pair of end walls and a flexible substantially cylindricalsleeve interconnecting the end walls in spaced relation, the end wallshaving inwardly disposed conical surfaces of predetermined angularityrelative to planes normal to their respective conical axes and eachconical surface providing an inwardly disposed socket at its apex, adiscoidal impeller having oppositely axially extended bosses swivellymounted in the sockets of the inwardly disposed surfaces of the endwalls, the impeller being of substantially the same diameter as theinwardly disposed conical surfaces of the end walls and of the sameconical angularity on opposite sides thereof relative to planes normalto its axis as the conical angularity of the inwardly disposed surfacesof the end walls relative to planes normal to the axes thereof, andmeans mounting the end walls adapted to revolve one of the end wallsrelative to the other in a circular orbit in a plane normal to the axesof the conical surfaces of the end walls whereby the impeller isprogressively tilted in circumferential progression in the housing in anorbit of nutation, the diameter of said orbit being such that theimpeller continuously bridges the space between the inwardly disposedfaces of the walls.

11. A centrifugal pump comprising means having an impeller chambertherein defined in part by spaced walls disposed in facing relation, animpeller enclosed in said chamber axially swivelly engaged at oppositesides thereof with the spaced walls, and means for impartingsubstantially circular planetary movement to one of said wallsconcentrically about the position of swivel engagement of the impellerwith the opposite wall for imparting a movement of mutation to theimpeller, the chamber means having an inlet port adjacent to thepositions of swivel engagement of the impeller with the walls thereofand an outlet port spaced from said positions of swivel engagement.

12. A substantially fluid tight centrifugal pump comprising a closedhousing having an impeller chamber therein defined by spaced facing endwalls, each symmetrical about a predetermined center thereof, and aflexible side wall interconnecting the end walls in fluid tightengagement therewith; an impeller enclosed in said chamber axiallyswivelly connected at opposite sides thereof to the centers of the endwalls; means connected to an end wall of the housing for impartingplanetary circular movement thereto concentrically about the center ofthe opposite end wall whereby the impeller has imparted thereto a motionof nutation; an intake conduit connected to the housing in fluidcommunication with the chamber adjacent to the center of an end wallthereof; and a discharge conduit connected to the housing in fluidcommunication with the chamber in spaced relation to the intake conduitradially of the impeller.

13. A substantially fluid tight centrifugal pump comprising a closedobliquely cylindrical housing having an impeller chamber therein definedby spaced facing end walls, each end wall being symmetrical about apredetermined center thereof, and a flexible tubular side wallinterconnecting the end walls in fluid tight engagement therewith; acircular impeller enclosed in the chamber of the housing axiallyswivelly engaged at opposite sides thereof with the centers of the endwalls; means mounting an end wall of the housing in fixed position;means connected to the end wall of the housing opposite to the fixedlymounted end wall for imparting planetary circular movement theretoconcentrically about the center of the fixedly mounted end wall, theimpeller and the end walls having adjacent conjugate faces and theradius of the circular movement of the movable end wall being such thatsaid conjugate faces are in rolling engagement along diametricallyopposite radial lines of contact as the impeller is revolved in an orbitof nutation; an intake conduit connected to the housing in fluidcommunication with the chamber adjacent to the center of the fixedlymounted end wall; and a discharge conduit connected to the housing influid communication with the chamber in spaced relation radially of saidfixedly mounted end wall from the intake conduit.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS HunterMar. 10, 1936 Swennes Feb. 1, 1938

